Summary: HearUSA launched the Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship in collaboration with the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), which aims to support future audiologists committed to improving access to hearing care services, particularly in underserved areas.
Takeaways:
- The scholarship initiative reflects a commitment to addressing the ongoing issue of limited access to hearing care services, especially in geographically underserved regions
- The scholarship will provide a $5,000 grant to a full-time audiology student who has completed the first year of their Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program.
- Named in memory of Jill Botkin, a former HearUSA employee, the scholarship will provide financial assistance to a full-time audiology student enrolled in a U.S. university.
HearUSA announced a joint scholarship with the American Academy of Audiology to support future audiologists committed to providing greater access to hearing care services.
The Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship
The Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship will be announced at the AAA 2024+HearTECH Expo, April 17-20, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.
“Despite significant advancements in technology and treatment options, accessibility to hearing care remains a major issue in the United States, particularly in geographically underserved areas,” says Gemma Gray, AuD, senior director of Professional Development & Retail Expansion at HearUSA. “This inability to access timely diagnosis, treatment, and support can significantly diminish quality of life for individuals with hearing loss, affecting their communication, social interactions, and overall well-being.”
The Jill Botkin Hearing Healthcare Accessibility Scholarship was created knowing that support for aspiring audiologists is crucial to ensuring equitable access to essential hearing healthcare services. It’s named in memory of Botkin — a thirty-five year employee of HearUSA who passed away in 2023. She began her career as an audiologist in South Florida before serving in various roles, including Sales Trainer, Regional Manager, Division Manager, and Vice President of Operations, before transitioning to a Senior Advisor position.
Audiology Scholarship Funding
Funds will be awarded to a full-time audiology student who is enrolled in a U.S. university at the time the scholarship is granted. This student must have completed the first year of their Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program in good standing in order to be considered. The selected recipient will receive a $5,000 scholarship grant intended for educational support in their AuD program. This scholarship will be available through the American Academy of Audiology Foundation with applications opening in January 2025.
“More audiologists are needed to ensure everyone with hearing loss receives the care and support they deserve, no matter where they live,” Gray says. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with the American Academy of Audiology on a scholarship that will empower aspiring audiologists to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals and communities.”
The Grow Beyond Together initiative
The scholarship fund dovetails with other HearUSA programs designed to grow and support its network of providers. The company’s Grow Beyond Together initiative focuses on recruiting both existing hearing care professionals and network providers, engaging students and faculty through networking for internships/externships and showcasing HearUSA as the hearing care retailer that’s best equipped to solve the hearing accessibility issue.
HearUSA’s HCPs are either audiologists, the majority of which have an AuD degree, or hearing instrument specialists (HISs). HearUSA’s HearAcademy also has its own HIS Apprentice programs to develop and sponsor talent to become HISs.
Developments at HearUSA
In addition to the new scholarship, post-graduate students pursuing their AuD, HISs, and established audiologists, can visit AAA booth to learn more about other ways HearUSA is continuing to invest in development and recruitment, through its dedicated professional development team; tuition, continuing education, and licensing reimbursement offers; and opportunities for advancement through roles like HCP Team Leads, Advisory Board members, or District Managers.
“It’s imperative that everyone at every level of hearing healthcare understands the severe impact limited access to hearing services can have not just on individuals, but their families and communities,” says Gray. “At AAA 2024, through this new scholarship and our continued recruitment efforts, we’re doing our part to ensure the future of hearing care is one that guarantees care for every person who needs it in every community across America.”
Further reading: HearUSA to Open Six New Hearing Centers in Texas
Photo: Dreamstime
